06-27-16

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JUNE 27, 2016 I VOL. 45 I #26

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A Special Section Featuring Top Bartenders and Music Bookers, and a Guide to Staying Out Late PAGES 9-16

A night out at The Little Easy.

photo by Gary Leonard

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$1 Summer Movie Series for Families at L.A. Live

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eneral admission at the Regal Cinemas at L.A. Live costs $15 on Monday-Thursday and $16 on weekends. Twice a week throughout the summer, however, you can get in for $1 a person to select family films. The 14-screen complex last week launched the third year of its Summer Movie Express, and every Tuesday and Wednesday through Aug. 17 there will be a screening that costs only four quarters or 10 dimes (dollar bills are okay, too). Many but not all of the films are animated. This Tuesday, June 28, brings The Iron Giant, while Wednesday holds Goosebumps. Other offerings include Home on July 13, The Book of Life on Aug. 2 and Shaun the Sheep Aug. 10. L.A. Live will also be offering free parking for audiences on movie days from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in lots 4 and W. More information is at lalive.com.

Italian American Museum to Open Aug. 14

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he Italian American Museum of Los Angeles has been one of the most anticipated projects in the core of Downtown Los Angeles, as well as one of the most delayed — in 2012, museum officials said it would debut the following year. Four years later, the $4.5 million effort is finally nearing the finish line. An opening has

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS been announced for Aug. 14, and Executive Director Marianna Gatto said the museum will be accepting reservations to visit for the first two days, to avoid any capacity issues. The museum is at the 1908 Italian Hall at 125 Paseo de la Plaza at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument.

The renovation has covered the interior and exterior of the building. The original façade has been restored, including the cornice that had been removed in the 1960s. The museum’s inaugural exhibit covers the history of Italian Americans in Los Angeles, from the colonial period to modern times, and features historical sources such as documents and photographs. The museum will be open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday.

Additional information is at italianhall.org.

June 27, 2016

TAKE MY PICTURE GARY LEONARD

Small Fashion District Building to Become Housing

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ousing development in the Fashion District has lagged behind communities such as the Historic Core and South Park. A few projects have opened, and now another is being proposed. Developer Uri Harkham is seeking entitlements to turn the building at 823 S. Los Angeles St. into 12 live/work units. The fourstory edifice sits on a 7,468-square-foot lot and has 28,600 square feet of space. The building currently has three ground-floor retail spaces, but initial plans do not indicate how these will be utilized. The project follows other Fashion District adaptive reuse conversions such as the Garment Lofts, a $20 million effort that created 77 apartments in the 1926 Capitol Garment Building at 217 E. Eighth St., and the Tuck Hotel, which will create a 14-room inn and restaurant at 820 S. Spring St; that is expected to open this

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summer. No timeline or budget for Harkham’s project has been announced.

Union Station Kicks Off Summer Entertainment Series

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owntown Los Angeles has an impressive slate of summer events, and now there’s another one, in an unlikely venue: Union Station next month will kick off an evening series. It includes three components: free concerts with emerging artists booked by Live Na-

June 13, 2016

tion, an immersive “Union Station 360” film/ media installation, and an August art exhibition dubbed “Cabinet of Curiosities.” The concert slate begins July 2 and takes place every Saturday night through Labor Day weekend; each night features two artists and a DJ from 7-10 p.m. July 2 will bring Michael Leier, Bloodboy, Figs Vision, and DJ Grant Owens performing in the south patio garden, near the entrance of the historic concourse off Alameda Street.

From July 15-24 (8 p.m.-midnight), visitors can experience “Union Station 360,” an installation from local design firm The Hettema Group. It Continued on page 24

June 27, 2016

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EDITOR & PUBLISHER: Sue Laris GENERAL MANAGER: Dawn Eastin

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EDITORIALS

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Jon Regardie SENIOR WRITER: Eddie Kim STAFF WRITER: Nicholas Slayton @ DOWNTOWNNEWS CONTRIBUTINGTWITTER: EDITOR: Kathryn Maese CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Jeff Favre, Greg Fischer ART DIRECTOR: Brian Allison ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR: Yumi Kanegawa

PHOTOGRAPHER: Gary Leonard ACCOUNTING: Ashley Schmidt CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING MANAGER: Catherine Holloway ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Catherine Holloway, Brenda Stevens, Michael Lamb SALES ASSISTANT: Claudia Hernandez

June 27, 2016

CIRCULATION: Danielle Salmon DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Salvador Ingles DISTRIBUTION ASSISTANTS: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla

Urban Scrawl by Doug Davis ©2016 Civic Center News, Inc. Los Angeles Downtown News is a trademark of Civic Center News Inc. All rights reserved. The Los Angeles Downtown News is the must-read newspaper for Downtown Los Angeles and is distributed every Monday throughout the offices and residences of Downtown Los Angeles.

One copy per person.

Action Is Vital Amid Worsening Abuse And Rising Number Of Homeless Women

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here is good news and terrible news in the regionEDITOR & PUBLISHER: Sue Laris al fight against homelessness. The positive is that GENERAL MANAGER: Dawn Eastin city and county leaders have finally recognized the depth of the overall problem and are working together EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Jon Regardie better than at any time in the past. They are taking conSENIOR WRITER: Eddie Kim STAFF WRITER: Nicholas Slayton crete, albeit still-often slow, steps to find funding. For exCONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Kathryn Maese ample, last week the City Council voted to put a measure S I N C E 19 7 2 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Jeff Favre, Greg Fischer to raise money to address homelessness on the November Los Angeles Downtown News 1264 W. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 ballot. Details are still being worked out, and any funding ART DIRECTOR: Brian Allison phone: 213-481-1448 • fax: 213-250-4617 depends on the iffy proposition of voter approval, which ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR: Yumi Kanegawa web: DowntownNews.com means no real help is coming soon to people who need it email: realpeople@downtownnews.com PHOTOGRAPHER: Gary Leonard today. So maybe “good news” is a relative term. facebook: The terrible news, devastating, really, is that amid the ACCOUNTING: Ashley Schmidt L.A. Downtown News ramping up and the politicians’ ongoing self-education, CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING MANAGER: Catherine Holloway one very serious component of homelessness is being twitter: ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Catherine Holloway, Brenda Stevens, DowntownNews I N C E 19 7 2 largely overlooked. Los Angeles Downtown News S last Michael Lamb Angeles Downtown weekLos wrote about the 55%News rise in the number of home©2016 Civic Center News, Inc. Los Angeles Downtown News SALES ASSISTANT: Claudia Hernandez is a trademark of Civic Center News Inc. All rights reserved.

1264 W. First Street, Angeles, 90026 to figures less women in the last Los three years,CA according The Los Angeles Downtown News is the must-read newsphone: 213-481-1448 • fax: 213-250-4617 CIRCULATION: Danielle Salmon paper for Downtown Los Angeles and is distributed every from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. That is web: DowntownNews.com • email: realpeople@downtownnews.com Monday throughout the offices and residences of Downtown DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Salvador Ingles accompanied by a surge in physical and verbal abuse, as the street. Rather, there is the corresponding increase in reports This is about more than “just” homelessness, and more than Los Angeles.

DISTRIBUTION ASSISTANTS: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla copy perThis person. facebook: twitter: well as increasing sexual assault. of abuse. “just” getting people off theOne streets. is about safety and, in L.A. Downtown News DowntownNews some cases, serious criminal and violent activity. Any woman who That 55% spike in the number of women on the streets LAPD Senior Lead Officer Deon Joseph, who has patrolled Skid is abused on the streets will almost certainly have a harder time comes as the overall homeless population has grown by Row for 18 years, told Downtown News, “A woman asleep in her 18.8% (according to LAHSA, there are now about 47,000 tent, waking up to a strange man on top of her, is&not unusual.Sue ” HeLaris turning her life around.

EDITOR PUBLISHER: EDITOR & PUBLISHER: Sue Laris homeless people in theDawn county, with more than 28,000 of said rape in the area he patrols has soaredGENERAL by 91%,MANAGER: and notedDawn that Eastin As with everything related to homelessness, there is no magic GENERAL MANAGER: Eastin them in the city). Yes, there are many more homeless men bullet or quick solution — reducing the number of women on the EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Jon Regardie EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Jon Regardie than women in Los Angeles County, but the matter of this streets will require many years of work and outreach. Fortunately, SENIOR WRITER: Eddie Kim SENIOR WRITER: Eddie Kim surprising and more dangerous eruption needs instant there is a path to help.

STAFF WRITER: Nicholas Slayton STAFF WRITER: Nicholas Slayton It starts with that flurry of action-oriented emergency phone and high-level attention.

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Kathryn Maese CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Kathryn calls Maese AtCONTRIBUTING the very least, the CityJeff Council’s Homelessness and for immediate assistance. Next is recognizing homeless womWRITERS: Favre, Greg Fischer S I Nfunding C E 19 and 7 2 resources to CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Jeff Favre, Fischer en asGreg a special sub-group and dedicating Poverty Committee should have this topic on the agenda ART DIRECTOR: Brian Allison Loshave Angeles Downtown News on the back their treatment. Area leaders patted themselves at itsASSISTANT next meeting, though a flurry of phone calls resulting ART DIRECTOR: Yumi Kanegawa ART DIRECTOR: Brian Allison 1264 W. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 for making advances in treating homeless veterans and youth — in immediate emergency action is really what is called for. phone: 213-481-1448 • fax: 213-250-4617 ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR: Yumi Kanegawa PHOTOGRAPHER: Garythe Leonard these have been worthy achievements, and they were facilitated Mayor Eric Garcetti and County Board of Supervisors web: DowntownNews.com by dedicated revenue streams, particularly on the veterans’ side mustACCOUNTING: recognize that this “sub-group” demands attention Ashley Schmidt email: realpeople@downtownnews.com PHOTOGRAPHER: Gary Leonard with federal money. and resources, similar to those dedicated to other identiCLASSIFIED ADVERTISING MANAGER: Catherine Holloway facebook: fied sub-groups such asCatherine homeless veterans andStevens, youth. Michael Lamb might increase comACCOUNTING: Ashley Schmidt Coming up with yet another sub-group ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Holloway, Brenda L.A. Downtown News petition for pots of funding with those existing sub-groups.

The anecdotal evidence from Skid Row stakeholdSALES ASSISTANT: Claudia Hernandez CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING MANAGER: Catherine However, the Holloway public safety aspect means a more demanding eners gels with the LAHSA data. An official with Chrysalis, twitter: CIRCULATION: Danielle Salmon ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Catherinevironment Holloway, should not be a deterrent. DowntownNews In an ideal world, funds to which trains and helps homeless people find jobs and DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Salvador Ingles Brenda Stevens, Michael Lamb help get women off the streets and, when necessary, into treatreturn to the mainstream of society, reported a 31% inDISTRIBUTION ASSISTANTS: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla SALES Claudia ©2016 Civic News,revenue Inc. Los source.

Angeles ment programs would come from yetCenter another crease in the number of women it served from 2012many of the victims are mentally ill women whoASSISTANT: often won’t reportHernandez Downtown News is a trademark of Civic Center News Center News, Inc. Los Angeles Downtown Center, News is a a trademark of Civic We realize that may be pie-in-the-sky, but it must be explored.

2015.©2016 The Civic head of the Downtown Women’s a crime. “That makes them more attractive targets,” he said.

Inc. All rights reserved.

Center News Inc. All rights reserved.

The Los Angeles Newsto is stop the must-read has Downtown to happen unconlongtime player in the againstnewspaper homelessness, Joseph’s description is chilling and again, it is echoed by othCIRCULATION: Danielle Salmon If not that, then what? Something The Loskey Angeles Downtown Newsfight is the must-read for Downtown Los Angeles newspaper for Downtown Los Angeles and is disis distributed every finding Monday throughout and residences of Downtowners Los in the community, who note that the trolled abuse. said and that the LAHSA “wasn’ttheaoffices surprise to us. We predominantly male Salvador DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Ingles tributed every Monday throughout the offices and residences is of Downtown Los Angeles. haveAngeles. seen it in our day-to-day work.” population of Skid Row creates an atmosphere where abuse of Lorenzo The status of homeless women a crisis and should be treated DISTRIBUTION ASSISTANTS: Castillo, One copy per person.

One copy per person.

Gustavo Bonilla all kinds is rampant.

The problem isn’t just that there are more women on as such. Going slowly will result in more victims.

LAPD SENIOR LEAD OFFICER DEON JOSEPH SAID RAPE IN THE AREA HE PATROLS HAS SOARED BY 91%. HE NOTED THAT MANY OF THE VICTIMS ARE MENTALLY ILL WOMEN WHO OFTEN WON’T REPORT A CRIME. ‘THAT MAKES THEM MORE ATTRACTIVE TARGETS,’ HE SAID.

EDITOR & PUBLISHER: Sue Laris GENERAL MANAGER: Dawn Eastin

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

twitter: DowntownNews

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Jon Regardie SENIOR WRITER: Eddie Kim STAFF WRITER: Nicholas Slayton CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Kathryn Maese CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Jeff Favre, Greg Fischer ART DIRECTOR: Brian Allison ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR: Yumi Kanegawa

PHOTOGRAPHER: Gary Leonard ACCOUNTING: Ashley Schmidt CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING MANAGER: Catherine Holloway ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Catherine Holloway, Brenda Stevens, Michael Lamb SALES ASSISTANT: Claudia Hernandez CIRCULATION: Danielle Salmon DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Salvador Ingles DISTRIBUTION ASSISTANTS: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla

©2016 Civic Center News, Inc. Los Angeles Downtown News is a trademark of Civic Center News Inc. All rights reserved. The Los Angeles Downtown News is the must-read newspaper for Downtown Los Angeles and is distributed every Monday throughout the offices and residences of Downtown Los Angeles.

One copy per person.

PRODUC format

LETTE June 27, 2016

Downtown News 5

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

A County Office in Alhambra

LETTERS

Why Creating a New ‘One-Stop’ Makes Sense

By Megan Moloughney he Downtown News’ June 13 article “Push to Move Regional Planning Office to Alhambra Falls Flat” addressed the proposal to shift about 150 County employees from offices in the Civic Center to a project being developed by The Ratkovich Company in the city of Alhambra. It would create an L.A. County One-Stop office for projects that need discretionary review from multiple departments.

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GUEST OPINION The proposed lease for the One-Stop is currently being considered by the Board of Supervisors. A postponed vote on the matter is allowing the supervisors time to receive answers to questions that they raised. All aspects of the decision to create a OneStop in Alhambra were thoroughly considered by the county’s various departments.

Currently, people seeking approvals for more complex projects must travel to five different locations throughout the county, including the Public Works building in Alhambra, to secure entitlements.

The One-Stop would allow users to make a single trip to complete the permitting process, and decision-makers from various departments would be on-site. Locating the One-Stop in a central location with freeway and mass transit access, ample parking, and adjacent to the Public Works campus would make the process more efficient for both the County and users.

The proposal to locate the One-Stop in Alhambra is tied to the fact that the Fifth District has the largest amount of land to be developed in the county,

so the most likely users of the One-Stop would come from the district. In addition, the One-Stop concept includes a technology upgrade that will allow the county to further connect to satellite offices, thereby expediting less-complex permitting processes in portions of the county that lack the staffing or resources to provide those services.

The decision to locate the One Stop in Alhambra came after a search for space in Downtown Los Angeles. The county found that there were very few blocks large enough to handle the program and that it was unable to occupy existing county facilities without having to relocate hundreds of employees.

The county then looked to Alhambra, where the Regional Public Works headquarters is the largest component of Regional Planning. Expansion into space contiguous to its existing operation would displace fewer employees than a proposed move to Downtown. Establishing the One-Stop in Alhambra also comes at a significantly lower price than in a county-owned facility, as The Ratkovich Company would contribute toward the cost of building out a stateof-the-art facility.

The time and effort that Regional Planning and the county CEO’s office spent in making this decision, planning and programming the space, and negotiating the lease is significant. Yes, locating the One-Stop anywhere will require relocating some county employees, but by placing it in Alhambra, a distance of seven miles from Downtown and adjacent to Public Works, the relocations will be minimized.

Megan Moloughney is the senior development manager for The Ratkovich Company.

BREAKTHROUGH KNEE PAIN TREATMENT

A Classic Film Series Live On Dear Editor, hank you for your editorial on our Last Remaining Seats series of classic films in historic theaters (“Thirty Years of Classic Films in Classic Theaters,” June 6). Thank you for recognizing the immense effort that goes into bringing more than 10,000 people into Downtown’s historic theaters each year.

Thank you, also, for Los Angeles Downtown News’ strong and steadfast support. The effort doesn’t matter if no one attends. You’ve played a key role in raising awareness of the series, especially among new Downtown residents.

Just a handful of years ago, virtually the only people we saw on Broadway

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after 5 p.m. were Last Remaining Seats patrons who drove in from all over Southern California, saw the film, and immediately drove back home.

Now we see throngs of people on Broadway in the evening, and many of our guests leave the theater after the film and play our pub trivia at Clifton’s, visit another establishment that offers Last Remaining Seats guests a special discount, or explore any number of exciting places Downtown.

We’re proud to have played a role in this evolution, and we’re grateful for Downtown News and the many other stakeholders who have supported our efforts over the years.

—Linda Dishman, President and CEO Los Angeles Conservancy

Los Angeles Downtown News encourages letters. They become the property of Los Angeles Downtown News and may be edited. All letters should be typewritten and include an address and telephone number for verification.

Please send them to: Letter to the Editor 1264 W. First St. Los Angeles, CA 90026 Fax to: (213) 250-4617 Email to: realpeople@downtownnews.com

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June 27, 2016

In City Payroll, Mo Money, Mo Oddities Eric Garcetti Is Barely in the Top 1% of L.A. Earners, And Other Fun Facts From a New Financial Database

By Jon Regardie f there’s something that the 1% has taught us, it’s that CEOs always make dozens or even hundreds of times what the average plebe earns. Time and again there have been reports of executives who pull in tens of millions of dollars a year, while the little people toil for pay in the low five figures.

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THE REGARDIE REPORT For better or worse, that doesn’t come into play in city government. Yes, Mayor Eric Garcetti is in the top 1% of annual wage earners in Los Angeles, but barely. In fact, the guy who runs the city when not floating the idea that he could be Hillary Clinton’s running mate isn’t the highest-paid municipal employee, or the second highest. He’s not even in the top 100.

How many city employees made more in 2015 than the $237,453 that Garcetti earned? Approximately 521. In total, about 58,000 people got a check for work they did for the city.

That’s just one factoid I’ve uncovered in Payroll Explorer, which is not a new SUV from Ford, but rather a recently launched app from City Controller Ron Galperin. The bureaucrat with the rap name Big Data Ron has spilled a boatload of city salary information that is free to access. Though Payroll Explorer doesn’t actually tie names to paychecks, in certain cases it’s easy to figure out.

For instance, when the database says “Police Chief,” we know that means Charlie Beck. In 2015 his total pay was $351,692, which is a lot of money for a dude who probably didn’t arrest even one bad guy that year.

Payroll Explorer is a bit of an odd duck. It’s part of an effort by Galperin and other city officials, including Garcetti, to increase transparency and accountability, and to provide Angelenos access to “their” information. It has a mountain of numbers and graphs you can totally geek out to while data mining, if that’s your thing.

DLANC provides a forum for all downtown stakeholders to have a voice in the planning, needs, and livability of our community. If you live, work, or own property in Downtown, you are a stakeholder!

Attend a DLANC Board of Directors or Committee Meeting. The Board meets the second Tuesday of each month. To get information on times and venues for Board or committee meetings please visit www.dlanc.org.

On the other hand, it can be impossible to determine the most desired information, such as exactly how much your friend in City Hall, or any specific individual, makes. In other words, you may not be able to find a needle in a haystack, but you sure will find a lot of haystacks, some of which are filled with cash.

Here is some of the most interesting information I’ve gleaned from Payroll Explorer.

Take That, Fiji: In 2015, the city of Los Angeles paid 58,244 people a total of $4.88 billion. By way of comparison, the entire country of Fiji had a gross domestic product of $4.53 billion that year, according to the World Bank (there’s a branch in South Park. Not really). For those who don’t speak money, annual GDP is essentially the value of all of a country’s goods and services produced in a year. So, instead of paying these workers, the city could have just bought everything made in Fiji in 2015, and then used the leftovers for a massive ice cream party.

Overtime? Yes Please!: The $4.88 billion has an asterisk: The base pay for city employees last year was $3.96 billion. It gets tricked up thanks to a whopping $553 million in overtime, and then another $365 million in what is dubbed “other pay,” which includes lump-sum payouts and bonuses for taking on unpleasant tasks such as dealing with City Councilman Mitch Englander in the week after he finished fifth in the County Supervisor’s race (not actually true — there was no hazard pay, though Englander really did manage to come in fifth). This prompts a key question: How has the system been so mismanaged that overtime chomps such a sizable portion of the city’s general fund? Some OT specifics are mindboggling: One Fire Captain got $311,000 in overtime on top of his $121,000 base pay last year. Presumably so he wouldn’t be lonely during all those extra hours, another Fire Cap-

photo by Gary Leonard

Eric Garcetti earned $237,453 as mayor of Los Angeles last year, an impressive haul but well below LAPD Chief Charlie Beck, whose total pay was $351,692.

Still, even Beck was way behind the city’s biggest earner — an unidentified figure with the job title Chief Port Pilot II made $499,382.

tain made $273,000 in overtime. The list goes on and on and on.

It makes one wonder what the money could be used for if people earned just their regular, still-pretty-hefty salary. Maybe that $900 million could go to street repairs or homeless services.

One can dream.

Worth More Than the Mayor: As mentioned above, Charlie Beck earns a lot more than Garcetti. So does Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas; he pulled in $307,970 last year (which, weirdly, made him the 40th highest-paid employee in the department he runs).

That’s somewhat reasonable, as public safety is the city’s top priority. Things get wacky though when you find some of the other jobs that pay more than the mayor. Someone in the DWP with the title of Senior Load Dispatcher earned $329,934, which I guess means he or she dispatched a heck of a lot of loads. A Fireboat Mate, a job that sounds just lovely, earned $318,768, and a Street Tree Superintendent stands tall with a $260,000 salary.

Even the Executive Director of the city Office of Accountability earned $275,937, which is silly, because everyone knows there’s no accountability in Los Angeles.

Continued on page 24

Your Neighborhood Council Congratulations to the DLANC 2016-2018 Board of Directors Patricia Berman Robert Newman Amara Ononiwu Josh Albrektson Michael Eisman Andrew Douglas Wendell Blassingame Ian Chi-Young Ariana Nussdorf Eric Garcia James Todd

- President - VP Administration - VP Outreach - Treasurer - Secretary

Rena Leddy Michael Delijani Amber Maltbie Josh Kreger Eduardo Alvarado Adrienne Edwards

Scott Bytof Nathaniel Cormier Beverly Christiansen Kristina Ferris Raquel Beard Nathaniel Johnson

June 27, 2016

Downtown News 7

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

At U.S. Bank Tower, It’s Sky Hi The $60 Million Skyspace Features Observation Decks, Event Space and a Glass Slide

By Eddie Kim oon after buying the U.S. Bank Tower, the tallest building west of the Mississippi, for $367.5 million in 2013, Singaporebased property owner OUE knew it wanted to make major improvements to allow the 1989 skyscraper to lure not just workers, but also tourists and Los Angeles residents.

For more than 25 years, the 72-story tower served as an office building, with its highest floors rented to top-shelf clients. That changed when OUE announced it would funnel roughly $60 million into creating Skyspace Los Angeles, a destination amenity with two observation decks on the 69th floor, indoor event spaces on the 69th and 70th floors, a 54th-floor interactive exhibit and, in the near-future, a restaurant on the 71st level. Other improvements to the building put the total investment at about $100 million.

Then, earlier this year, OUE revealed that it had one big trick up its sleeve: It would build a 45-foot-long glass slide and attach it to the side of the tower, running from the 70th to the 69th floor. News of the first-of-its-kind slide unleashed a torrent of hype and anticipation.

On Saturday, June 25 (after Los Angeles Downtown News went to press), Skyspace opened. OUE officials were on hand two days before at a media preview.

“This is L.A.’s most iconic tower, and it’s the tallest building, so it made sense to do an ob-

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servation deck,” said Lucy Rumantir, president and CEO of OUE Americas. “During the process of designing that, we realized that there are hundreds of observation decks, and we’re wasting a chance to be one-of-a-kind, not just in the U.S. but the world.”

Ride to the Top The experience begins at a special building entrance on the western side of the tower, in a sleek lobby that makes Skyspace’s aesthetic clear — think Gold iPhone 6, all clean white surfaces and splashes of gold chain curtains, gold handrails and gold accents. Next, a hallway pulsating with star-like lights ushers you to an elevator that zips directly to the 54th floor.

This is the digital interactivity portion of Skyspace. Two huge, curving video screens show pretty time-lapse views from around the city.

An “infinity mirror” on the floor offers a trippy “view” into the core of the building (vertigoprone visitors, beware). Projections on another video screen respond to movements in front of it. It’s all a bit of a novelty, and seems unrelated to the experience upstairs.

Another elevator whisks you to the 70th floor. Here, on a clear day, you can see out to the Pacific Ocean or east to the San Gabriel Mountains. On a hot Thursday morning last week, however, the effect was muddied by a blanket of haze not unusual in the summer.

Visitors can wander between the 69th and Continued on page 8

Skyspace’s most buzzed-about feature is the see-through slide, which shoots people along the outside edge of the building. Riders can see nearly 1,000 feet straight down.

photo by Gary Leonard

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8 Downtown News

SKYSPACE, 7 70th floors via a staircase, but both levels are essentially the same: There’s lounge seating, a few bars and a kitchen. Skyspace is available for private events, but will often be used as a place for visitors to relax and mingle while they await their turn on the slide.

John Adams, a principal with the architecture firm Gensler, which worked on the transformation, said the process unfolded smoothly.

“Physically, these floors made sense for an observation deck. It used to be just a setback, a roof space with architectural lighting at first.

We added a couple of doors and changed the facade. It was really not too heroic,” he said.

Going Down The slide entrance is on the 70th floor. Rid-

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ers sit on a foam mat with their knees tucked in, and must slowly scoot toward the edge of the incline.

The beginning of the slide will be the most unnerving part for many, as it offers views straight out and straight down, with cars and lights visible nearly 1,000 feet below.

Once you start sliding, though, fright fades into excitement — the slide is slicker and faster than it looks, and it takes some effort not to careen down sideways.

It is also quicker than many might expect, ending in only three seconds, if that. There’s not really time for a sweat-breaking thrill before you fly out of the chute onto a 69th-floor observation deck, where a large foam pad protects behinds from impact onto the concrete.

Adults pay $25 to get to the observation decks (there are discounts for seniors and the under-12 set). The slide runs another $8. Regular admission requires timed entries, but OUE offers VIP passes and multiple purchase tickets that allow you to skip lines.

The pricing was based on “deep research” of what similar attractions are charging and offering around the world, Rumantir said.

“I’ve been to a lot of observation decks, checking the pricing, the facilities, the view.

We think the pricing is on par with similar attractions — not more, not too much less, but

June 27, 2016

Last Thursday, Singapore-based OUE unveiled Skyspace L.A., its transformation of the top of U.S Bank Tower. It spent $60 million on the upgrade.

photo by Eddie Kim

market-rate,” Rumantir said. “This space used to only be for executives, but we want to bring in many more people to enjoy what this building can offer.”

Not yet open is 71Above, the restaurant that will be led by noted chef Vartan Abgaryan (formerly of Silver Lake’s excellent Cliff’s Edge). It will serve lunch and dinner, and expect prices to be commensurate with its location and destination appeal.

Predictably, Skyspace visitors exit through the gift shop in the lobby. OUE isn’t done with its investment, as work continues on the lobby with the installation of video screens, new furnishings and amenities. On the northern end of the building, Downtown’s prolific M2K Group (Spear, Wokcano, Triple 8) is building out Mon-

kee, a massive Chinese restaurant in the former McCormick & Schmick’s space. It is slated to open later this year.

It’s a lot of change for an iconic L.A. tower that, under its former owner, had faded badly, with little money put into maintenance — occupancy had sunk to 55% in 2013. OUE has seen some financial benefits from its investment in the building and its aggressive dealmaking, as the occupancy rate had reached 75% by December.

For now though, amid a Downtown that is more energized than ever before, Rumantir and the rest of OUE are looking up.

Skyspace L.A. is at 633 W. Fifth St. or skyspace-la.com. eddie@downtownnews.com

* Cannot be applied to insurance.

Historic Downtown LA Streetcar Draft EIR Available for Review Public review and comment period is June 24, 2016 until August 8, 2016.

A public hearing will be held to answer questions and record comments on the Draft EIR: 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm on Tuesday, July 12 Ronald F. Deaton Civic Auditorium (LAPD Headquarters) 100 W. 1st Street, Los Angeles 90012

E L P R U P O R T E M N O I S N E T X E E N LI WORKS IN THE Purple Line

The Metro Purple Line Subway Extension project is conducting full weekend closures of Wilshire Bl, between Detroit St and Highland Av, for deck panel installation.

For more information on detours and closures, visit metro.net/purplelineext.

The Draft EIR is available online at: http://eng.lacity.org/techdocs/emg/historic_streetcar.htm as well as at the Central and Little Tokyo branch libraries.

Comments may also be emailed to: eng.lastreetcarproject@lacity.org

16-2287ps ©2016 lacmta

Lane reductions start Fridays at 10am with full closures beginning Fridays at 8pm until 6am Monday mornings. Expect major delays in the area.

Businesses will be open during construction.

June 27, 2016

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

Downtown News 9

n w o t K R n A w D o D After Seven Days of Nightlife: 10 Meet the Top Bartenders: 12-14

Coleen Morton makes a drink at Spring Street Bar.

photo by Gary Leonard

Downtown’s Music Masters: 15-16

10 Downtown News

June 27, 2016

DOWNTOWN AFTER DARK

Seven Days Nightlife of

Where to Go in Downtown Every Night of the Week, From Tiny Bars to Huge Clubs

By Eddie Kim t’s easy to fall into a groove of your favorite spots in Downtown Los Angeles. We’re creatures of habit, and once we find something we like, particularly in a community with so much to offer, we tend to stick with it.

That’s good, but don’t let the familiar turn you off from trying out the new and weird. If your work schedule allows it, then you definitely shouldn’t limit your nights out to Friday and Saturday.

Part of Downtown’s evolution into a 24-7 community is the 7 part, and there is something great to do every night of the week.

Here are some of the best options. A few are well-known, others…less so.

I

Monday: The Historic Core joint The Lash is a Downtown nightlife favorite for a reason: It’s got two rooms, a consistent array of talented DJs, a friendly crowd, reasonably priced drinks and a minimalist European club vibe. The start of the week brings a bonus in the form of DJ Josh Peace and his regular Mustache Monday set. It’s one of the best gay dance parties in the city — as it was when it was hosted at the nearby La Cita. Peace is usually joined by a second act (not yet announced for June 27) for the evening of lively house, funk, techno and beyond. Not gay?

Don’t worry about it — Mustache Mondays is a blast for all.

At 117 Winston St. or thelashsocial.com.

Tuesday: Broadway’s Theatre at Ace Hotel is one of Downtown’s true new-school prestige venues, but the Ace’s Upstairs bar courts plenty of top-notch music acts, too, including the local collective Dart DJ on June 28 from 8:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Dart’s artists spin slick vinyl-only sets of classic disco, funk and soul plus new cuts from the likes of Daft Punk, Duck Sauce and even T-Pain. No wonder the collective has good taste: Dart is led by Jesse Kivel of synth-pop duo Kisses and Michael David of the dance music duo Classixx. Keep your eyes, and ears, peeled for special guests on the decks.

At 929 S. Broadway or acehotel.com/losangeles.

Wednesday: Jure Pukl has won accolades for his jazz compositions, which drip with virtuosic technique but also a vintage elegance and smart melodies. The Slovenian tenor saxophonist takes the stage at Little Tokyo’s Bluewhale jazz club on June 29, and audience members had best prepare for an onslaught of hip playing from all members of Pukl’s quartet. Cover charge for the 9 p.m. performance is $15. As usual, Bluewhale offers a respectable selection of small-batch whiskies, classic cocktails (a martini always fits the vibe) and small plates for snacking.

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

photo by Gary Leonard

The Lash, a small club in the Historic Core, offers a minimalist vibe and two rooms for mingling. At the start of every work week it hosts Mustache Mondays, one of the best gay dance parties in the city.

photo by Gary Leonard

The Ace Hotel’s Upstairs bar is a cocktail-focused joint that also features a slate of notable music acts, such as the DJ collective Dart on June Tuesday, June 28.

Thursday: When it opened in the Arts District last year, the Hauser Wirth + Schimmel gallery instantly stood out as a serious testament to contemporary art. But don’t try to put the 100,000-square-foot gallery in a corner — it’s also planting a stake in the social scene with a Thursday evening series of music and artist talks. This week’s After 5 (so dubbed because it starts at 5 p.m.) features Madame Gandhi, an electronic act featuring Kiran Gandhi (who has drummed with MIA and Thievery Corporation) and sound designer Alexia Riner. You can also explore the current exhibit, Revolution in the Making: Abstract Sculpture

By Women, take a tour led by gallery co-founder Paul Schimmel, soak in music, or sip on cocktails shaken up by Spare Room Hollywood. Admission is free but RSVPs are required and can be made on the website.

At 901 E. Third St., (213) 943-1620 or hauserwirthschimmel.com.

Friday: Usually Ham & Eggs Tavern, the tiny beer and wine bar off of Olive and Eighth streets, is a quiet place to sip a cheap pint. That changes on weekend nights, as the bar lights up with unbelievably loud rock bands, DJs, singer-songwriter types and more. This week brings rough and rowdy blues rockers Deadfella, along with the Hidden Depths, Healing Gems, and Mister Mudd. The show starts at 8:15 p.m. and there’s a $5 cover, which is a deal to spend the night in one of Downtown’s most intimate and energetic spots for live music. Make sure to grab a slice from next-door neighbor Pellicola Pizzeria before you head home.

At 433 W. Eighth St., (213) 891-6939 or hamandeggstavern.com.

Saturday: The still-new Arts District spot Resident is doing a good job of warning prudish Downtowners with an event name like “ASS Fest.” The tongue-in-cheek, all-day festival on July 2 features performances from Mickey Avalon, rockers Sloppy Jane, comedy-pop trio The Weekend Pilots, and DJ sets from April O’Neil, Skin Diamond and a few other porn stars. There’s face painting, raffles, cocktails, vendors and more at the event that runs from noon-2 a.m. Tickets are $25. And get your mind out of

photo by Xander Davies

The spacious Exchange L.A. sports long lines on weekends, but its high-end sound system and Vegas-mega-club feel make it unique in Downtown. On Sunday, June 3, dubstep artist Getter headlines.

the gutter: ASS stands for “After School Special,” obviously.

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

Sunday: The long 4th of July weekend means you can take some extra liberties with your Sunday night. Exchange L.A. is usually a Friday-Saturday hotspot, with the music leaning toward sexy-dance-y house sounds. That gets blown up on July 3, when dubstep/trap bro Getter headlines a set at the Spring Street club with the aim of pummeling the audience with skittish hip-hop rhythms and fat bass drops. Come for weird banger tracks like “Rip n Dip” and “666!” Stay for a possible explanation on why his music videos feature what appear to be LSD-laced hamburgers. The openers are Gladiator and Half Empty, and the party kicks off at 10 p.m.

At 618 S. Spring St., (213) 627-8070 or exchangela.com. eddie@downtownnews.com

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June 27, 2016

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

Downtown News 11

EVENTS I MAPS & GUIDES I RESTAURANTS I RESEARCH & REPORTS

12 Downtown News

June 27, 2016

DOWNTOWN AFTER DARK

Mixmasters Meet the

Behind the Bar With Some of Downtown’s Top Drink Makers

How She Got There: A few years ago, Morton wasn’t sure whether she wanted to focus on a hairdressing career or the shifts behind the bar she was putting in at South Park’s Casa Nostra restaurant. Then a friend tipped her off to an opening at the King Eddy Saloon, and Morton took the gig. A few weeks later she moved to a different Acme Hospitality Group property, Spring Street Bar, where she has flourished thanks to her keen palate and flavor instincts. Morton has always loved playing with blends of alcohol and mixers — she recalled bartending friends’ Christmas parties when she just 19 — and had an epiphany at the Redwood, where she started behind the bar at 21. “I was really into spicy cocktails at the time, and I used a strawberry-habanero hot sauce in a margarita. The customers were impressed, and I was, too,” Morton says. “That’s what kicked off my trying to create more interesting cocktails.”

By Eddie Kim and Nicholas Slayton hat makes a great bar? Decor is important, as are location and the right vibe. Blow one of those and fickle patrons will head someplace else. After all, there are plenty of places to get a drink, particularly in Downtown Los Angeles.

Another part of the equation is the skill and personality of the person behind the bar. These days the bartender is more than just a hired hand who pours a

W

splash of vodka into a glass of tonic. In many places, and particularly in Downtown, customers have come to appreciate inventive recipes, high-quality ingredients and a thoughtful approach. The man or woman behind the bar who knows how to mix a drink, and who has a pleasant manner, gets a lot of attention, accolades and, yes, tips.

In the following pages, three Downtown drinks experts share their secrets.

Coleen Mo

rton BAR: SP R ING STRE ET BAR AGE: 29

Defining Drink: The summer heat is here, so Morton’s been experimenting with a refreshing cocktail featuring rye whiskey and peach. Her drink, the Peach, Please!, blends Redemption Rye with a house-made peach cordial, chamomile-infused Lilet aperitif wine and a touch of lemon juice. It’s shaken and served frothy over ice, and she expects it to be a popular cocktail, especially with whiskey lovers who don’t want a big, boozy drink on a hot day. “The Redemption isn’t a super heavy, super spicy whiskey. It can blend, it has some delicacy,” Morton said. “And the peach just keeps everything light and summery.”

At 626 S. Spring St., (213) 622-5859 or springstla.com.

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June 27, 2016

Downtown News 13

DOWNTOWN AFTER DARK

t t e r r Ga echnie

How He Got There: McKechnie began eyeing the bartending world when he was a teenager. He snagged his first major gig at 22, at the famous gay club Barracuda in New York City, where the prerequisites were simple: “The manager asked me, ‘Are you gay?’ Second, it was, ‘Will you take your shirt off behind the bar?’” McKechnie recalled with a laugh. “I got the job.”

A love of fussy craft cocktails didn’t emerge, however, until he met bar consultant Marcos Tello and business partner Aiden Demarest and helped them open 1886 Bar at the Raymond in Pasadena in 2010. About three years ago, McKechnie met Downtown bar queen Vee Delgadillo in a Crossfit gym, and ideas for a cocktail-driven gay bar emerged. With Delgadillo and third partner Jigger Mercado’s support, McKechnie renovated the old Silo Vodka space on Seventh Street and gave it a name honoring a pioneering gay rights group: the Mattachine Society.

McK

E

TACHIN T A M : R BA 0 AGE: 4

Defining Drink: The Mattachine Society was born in L.A. in 1950 under the leadership of activist Harry Hay and a group of his gay friends. No wonder, then, that McKechnie named the bar’s signature cocktail after him. The Harry Hay is an elegant variation on a Brooklyn (itself a variation on the Manhattan), but the key is being hyper-specific with the ingredients: The drink melds 100-proof Rittenhouse Rye with Dolan Rouge vermouth, Amargo-Vallet Bark of Angostura bitters, and Boudier Maraschino cherry liqueur. It’s garnished with a cherry and McKechnie flames a lemon peel over the surface of the drink for flavor and aroma. “I talk to liquor companies and they always say, ‘You’re a gay bar, you must be all about vodka,’” McKechnie says. “But this very boozy whiskey cocktail is staying on the menu. It’s a staple.”

At 221 W. Seventh St., (213) 278-0471 or facebook.com/barmattachine.

14 Downtown News

June 27, 2016

DOWNTOWN AFTER DARK

Dee Qui Anne n one BA R: W E s AGE STBOU

How She Got There: Quinones poured her first drink behind a bar 15 years ago in Bowling Green, Ohio.

She moved to Los Angeles in 2004 to work in the entertainment industry and bartended on the side, including at Enterprise Fish Co. in Santa Monica. Eventually, she said, she “burned out” on production and opted to bartend full-time when a key position at Enterprise opened up.

“My bar manager recommended that I take his place. I realized that I love doing this,” Quinones said. She has had something of an itinerant lifestyle since then, serving drinks on the East and West Coast, and even in London. She met Westbound manager Sarah Meade when Quinones was behind the bar at Booker & Dax in New York City. The two stayed in touch, and when Quinones moved back to Los Angeles earlier this year, Meade offered her the job of running the cocktail program at the New American bar and eatery in the Arts District’s One Santa Fe complex. Westbound opened in May.

: 36

ND

Defining Drink: Quinones has built a cocktail menu around twists on familiar drinks that utilize uncommon ingredients. For example, she is pouring a lot of mezcal, as an alternative to tequila, its more ubiquitous and popular cousin. The cocktail Westbound and Up uses mezcal as a base, mixing in chipotle honey, lemon, orange bitters and smoked paprika. The drink is served in a round, shallow champagne coupe and garnished with lemon zest. “For summer and spring, it really hits on the pleasure centers,” Quinones said. “The Westbound and Up is a simple spin on a margarita-style drink with a good spice to it.”

At 300 S. Santa Fe Ave., (213) 262-9291 or westbounddtla.com

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Elevated chamber jazz from Armenian virtuosos Arto Tunçboyacıyan (Armenian Navy Band), pianist Vardan Ovsepian, and cellist Artyom Manukyan.

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Bridging the Divide

This Emmy nominated documentary tells the story of Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley, the first African American mayor elected in a major American city with an overwhelmingly white majority. His 1973 election was a remarkable political first in the history of race and politics in America. Join us for a conversation after the film with former Councilman Richard Alatorre, Commissioner Alberto Juarez, Deputy Mayor in Bradly Administration Grace Montanez Davis, Film Director Lyn Goldfarb and Producer Alison Sotomayor. more at la plaza conversation: music: special event: pio pico w/ carlos melena & the ladies super mamas social of salsa manuel salomon supermamassocial.com thursday, july 07 | 7 pm friday, july 08 | 6 pm saturday, july 9 | 1-5 pm @laplazala

www.lapca.org

June 27, 2016

Downtown News 15

DOWNTOWN AFTER DARK

d n i h Be theMusic Meet the People Who Bring the Bands You Love to Some of Downtown’s Coolest Venues

By Emily Manthei

Age: 38 Title: Talent Buyer He’s Been There: About a year Previous Experience: Tarney started playing in bands and DJing in Milwaukee in 2000. Five years later he moved to San Francisco and began booking bands for a club called Mezzanine. By 2010, Los Angeles was calling. “I wanted to be closer to the industry. There’s so much more happening in L.A. in terms of music and creativity and art.” He joined Spaceland Presents, where Liz Garo oversees a team of talent buyers who program numerous clubs and venues. Tarney focuses on the Historic Core’s 1,100-capacity club The Regent. He also puts together underground nightlife events in Downtown with his own company, Restless Nites.

Collaboration Welcome: “We book a lot of different stuff at The Regent, but Downtown culture is really into the DJ scene right now. We do a lot of themed parties, like ’90s nights, an evening with the Spice Girls, EDM nights with the promoter Insomniac. We try to feed off the culture and we love to collaborate with other promoters. The goth club The Lash is right next door. We try to fit in with them too.”

Warehouse Music: Restless Nites concentrates on events in warehouses and art parties. Tarney says Downtowners are looking for hidden venues bouncing with techno, house and disco.

photo by Gary Leonard

Brian Tarney Of The Regent

Personal Favorites: “I’m a child of the ’80s. So anything with synthesizers and drum machines is pretty much my favorite. The first band I played with was a synth-pop new wave post-punk band.”

Movie Night: Tarney was also drawn to L.A. by the classic movie culture of Cinefamily, Cinespia and other like-minded venues. “For many years, The Regent was a grindhouse cinema. All of the weird cult movies were shown here. So that’s definitely a part of our history that we want to keep alive.”

To that effect, The Regent co-hosts a monthly event with Austin-based Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas, which is opening a movie complex in Downtown this year. The first Sunday of the month at The Regent will feature classic and underground movies. “We’re doing a Tangerine Dream theme in August and screening a 16mm print of Firestarter.”

Perks of the Job: Between brainstorming shows, dealing with bands and managers and reaching out to other promoters, Tarney gets to enjoy some top-notch music. “It’s really fun to travel and see so many festivals and things happening all across the world. Then I get to bring all the cool ideas that I experience back to L.A. Spaceland Presents has been doing a series at the Santa Monica Pier, we’re doing Desert Days in October, and we’ve even got a new festival in Alhambra. It’s been fun growing into other avenues, like we’ve been growing Downtown. It’s been awesome to see Downtown develop into something vibrant.”

Best Night Ever: “We had a pretty amazing show a month ago with the band Sunn. They’re a doom metal band from Seattle. It’s all chanting and very loud droning guitars and they all wear cloaks. It was probably the loudest concert I’ve ever been to. Their fans are so irreverent and so into it that nobody had their phones out. Everyone was just in a trance, watching this band make this very different type of music.

I like it when an artist really brings an experience. I sometimes get the feeling I’ve worked with everyone I want to, which is amazing, but then something else happens and you realize you haven’t seen everything yet.”

On the Other Hand: “I’ve seen some pretty crazy stuff.

You’ve got your typical disasters, like production meltdowns and dealing with divas. I once had a tour manager in San Francisco pull a gun on me because I wouldn’t give him a bottle of tequila. But one thing I’ve found, it’s almost a rule: The people that are the coolest and nicest are always the best musicians and the best bands.”

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

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Age: 51 Title: Partner in LA Music Booking He’s Been There: Eight years

photo by Gary Leonard

Previous Experience: Before starting LA Music Booking with fellow musician Justin Kirk, Taub helped Downtown speakeasies book bands. That led to booking at the Redwood Bar, and then helping Kirk, who had started a music program at Seven Grand. Kirk’s other gig as a touring guitarist with Earth, Wind & Fire prevented him from being around all the time, so a partnership was born. Now they book about 60 Downtown gigs per month at venues including Seven Grand, Las Perlas, Caña and Little Easy.

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Of Seven Grand, etc.

Age: 30 Job Title: Talent Buyer He’s Been There: Six months Previous Experience: “I worked for Spaceland Presents for four and a half years. They operate the Echo and Echoplex, The Regent and a bunch of other places. I had pretty much every job there — first an usher, then working in the box office, then managing the box office, then becoming a booker. I learned everything there.”

Music in His Blood: Smith grew up in Loomis, Calif., and moved to Los Angeles from New York City in 2009. “I knew I wanted to work in music, but I didn’t know how. I’ve always loved going to see live music — at the Fonda, El Rey, larger venues, but also the local, DIY stuff: The Echo, Non Plus Ultra, all of those. Eventually I thought, if I’m going to go to all these shows, I’d like to get paid for it!”

How He Got Here: Smith met the owners of Resident, which opened late last year in the Arts District, when they were managing a band he had booked at The Echo. When they invited him to check out the space, he thought he was just going for a chat.

“When I got there, I saw there was a special vibe, and they were really doing something completely different than what was in the market. I felt like this was an opportunity for me to be involved in defining the culture of Resident.”

Mixing It Up: Smith books bands, comedy shows and DJ parties seven nights a week at Resident. But the venue is just as likely to have free or low-cost events as ticketed shows with touring bands. “My main goal is to keep it as diverse as possible. It’s what’s special about Downtown,” he says. “We’ll have a punk rock night, followed by hip-hop, electronic music, comedy, whatever. There’s so much going on culturally on any given night in this city, you can’t afford to bury your head in the sand and only be one thing.”

Love for Locals: Smith receives booking requests from agencies

June 27, 2016

DOWNTOWN AFTER DARK

everyone who plays. At our venues, patrons know they’ll always hear something good and get really fine-tasting drinks.”

All Friends Here: Taub books local musicians who play in multiple bands and often tour. But for the most part, he and Kirk draw from the Los Angeles music scene. “Justin and I have played so much, for the most part we know all the bands, or ask musicians that we trust to recommend bands for our venues. We pretty much have unlimited choices of bands to book, but once in a while someone contacts us to put them in the schedule and we do.” Some favorites include all-female mariachi band La Victoria, the funky Vibrometers, traditional ’20s jazz ensemble California Feet Warmers and jazz and blues vocalist Barbara Morrison.

Roots in the Blues: Born in East Hollywood, Taub has spent most of his life in Los Angeles. He taught himself guitar and bass by playing with blues legends at Babe’s and Ricky’s Inn on Central Avenue, back when players like John Lee Hooker and Eric Clapton showed up for gigs. For 15 years, Taub was the house bass player. Today, his band the Midnight Blues Review features some of the Central Avenue players.

Best Night Ever: “One night I was playing with [blues singer] Mickey Champion. Buddy Miles sat in with us on drums. Mickey, as she was singing, just started crying. The audience was so moved. It was a really special night because Buddy died soon after that — and Mickey too. It was one of the last gigs for both of them, and they were legends.”

Early Adopter: “I moved Downtown 15 years ago, back when it was just a bunch of artists and musicians with no bars. And artists need to drink. There were a lot of real speakeasy-type places, and we just kinda flew under the radar. I met Justin at the MJ Higgins Gallery when my band played there.”

It Might Get Loud: “One time there was a little communication breakdown with a band we didn’t know. When they got here and started playing, we realized we had booked a heavy metal band. Let’s just say they turned it up to 11, and everybody went home.”

Venue Matters: When booking bands, Taub and Kirk keep the venue’s ambiance and cocktail menu in mind. Seven Grand, a whiskey destination, is their home base, with a jazz, blues and roots lineup on Monday-Thursday. Kirk’s experimental jazz ensemble The Makers has a Tuesday night residency, while Taub’s Midnight Blues Review plays every other Wednesday. Mezcal and tequila joint Las Perlas hosts Latin music, from mariachi to salsa. Caña, a South Park rum club, has an Afro-Cuban jazz vibe, and Little Easy hosts New Orleans bands, swing music and, of course, more jazz. “Although some of our bands do have their own following, that’s not why we book bands. I love just about

Crossing Borders: Taub fondly recalls his days on Central Avenue. Now, the clubs he books host some of those same players.

“Downtown Los Angeles is a special place right now. It’s one of the most creative places, where there are so many great musicians around. There are still a few places on Central Avenue, but I’d like to think I’ve moved a piece of that scene to Downtown.”

Seven Grand is at 515 W. Seventh St., Las Perlas is at 107 E. Sixth St. and Caña Rum Bar is at 714 W. Olympic Blvd. All three are managed by 213 Hospitality, (213) 817-5321 or 213dthospitality.com.

Little Easy is at 216 W. Fifth St., (213) 628-3113 or littleeasybar. com. LA Music Booking is at lamusicbooking.com.

and managers of touring bands, many of whom he knows from his Spaceland days. But he also gets pitches from local acts that are just starting. He listens to everything and, if it catches his ear, he tries to schedule it. “I don’t know if people from L.A. appreciate how much there is going on in this city in terms of genres and subcultures. There’s a ton of great local music! Ideally, I’ll get a great artist on tour with a local fan base, and pair them with a local band that is going to develop new fans. We like to create new connections.”

Great Night: “The first time we had a proper ticketed touring act at Resident was great. They were NoBunny, a garage punk band from San Francisco. The lead singer is a crazy dude who wears a dirty bunny mask that looks like it hasn’t been washed in years, leather jacket and underpants. After a couple of months of toiling and making connections, we finally got to see the club enjoyed the way it was intended, by kids who were singing along and moshing and treating the place like a proper venue.”

On the Other Hand: “The first show I had the opportunity to book at The Echo was the worst. I booked an artist who was signed to a major label and looking to develop a live show as the headlining act. She had a song that was really prominently placed in a big movie, so I thought it was a slam dunk — but it was a terrible show. The artist was fine, but the audience made it feel like a parody of a concert. It didn’t feel like a genuine cultural experience. I learned that you can’t try to do things because they look good on paper; you have to do them because of public demand, and because people care about the artist.”

Come One, Come All: “We had a band called PrinceRama. The band is a pair of sisters and a third musician. They are these really weird, arty, good, special people. It was one of those shows where you really felt their connection to the audience. At their encore, they invited anyone that felt like it to sit down on the stage. So there were their fans, cross-legged, mouths agape, just enjoying the band.”

Resident is at 428, S. Hewitt St, (213) 628-7503 or residentdtla.com.

Duncan Smith Of Resident

photo by Gary Leonard

16 Downtown News

s e h t CALENDAR h o l t i C W A r n e o t i n t u a o m i c En ese An n a p Ja

June 27, 2016

Downtown News 17

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

DT

er osplay C f o y rm nd Its A n Center a , o p x eE ntio e Anim to the Conve v i s s a M s Return

By Nicholas Slayton or some people, the 4th of July means fireworks and barbecues. For others, it’s an opportunity to dress up as the heroes from “Sailor Moon,” the titular Speed of “Speed Racer” and hundreds of other characters from Japanese animation.

That comes into play as Anime Expo returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center on Friday-Monday, July 1-4. More than 100,000 people each year show up for the event that is filled with panel discussions, vendors, screenings, meet-andgreets with anime celebrities and, most of all, regular people in elaborate costumes.

Anime Expo started in 1992 and attracted about 1,500 people that year. It bounced around California before settling in Downtown Los Angeles in 2008.

This year’s convention, the 25th, is bigger than ever, with guests and programming focused not only on anime, but video games, manga (Japanese comic books), pop music and Japanese culture in general.

This week’s lineup includes a panel discussion about the anime show “One Punch Man,” as well as screenings of the giant robot war-focused “Gundam” franchise. Another highlight is a screening of the hip-hop influenced action-comedy “Samurai Champloo,” about a young woman who teams up with two warriors for a road trip (see sidebar for five highlights).

One of the biggest draws at Anime Expo is the blurring of lines between big names, including guests from Japan, and regular visitors. That is manifested in the cosplay element, a term that comes from “costume play.”

Cosplay is a big draw for Sheila Santa Maria, who works with Sylar Warren in a duo they call Aicosu, based on the Japanese words for “love” and “cosplay.” This will be Santa Maria’s seventh year at Anime Expo, and she and Warren have multiple outfits: Some days they will dress up as characters from the new video game Overwatch, and other days they will portray the villains Kylo Ren and Hux from the latest Star Wars film.

Aicosu has an official role in Anime Expo. In 2014, the convention launched a senpai, or mentorship, program. This year Aicosu and

Anime Expo regularly brings more than 100,000 people to the Convention center. A highlight is the Sunday night Masquerade, where people don elaborate costumes and work out intricate choreography in the effort to impress the crowd and win prizes.

s,

photo by Meg Arno

F

other senpai are hosting events to teach crafting and costuming methods to aspiring and traditional cosplayers. Santa Maria noted that the senpai program is focused more on craft than star power.

Fellow cosplay senpai Steff von Schweetz agreed.

“What sets it apart is that it’s not a cosplay guest program like other conventions have,” said von Schweetz, who this year will dress as a combination of the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland and the character of Levi from the anime “Attack on Titan.”“The senpai program is less about being known online, and more about being good at what you do and providing these helpful workshops and panels and you can help people out with questions.”

Anime Expo is open to the public. Daily tickets start at $55 and passes for the entire event are $90 and up.

Buy This Much of the action at Anime Expo involves vendors, as a celebration of anime and manga naturally offers copious opportunities to purchase books, videos, comics, music, art, collectibles and much more.

Rei Quach, whose Japanese-street fashion hat company Arsenic x Cyanide will have a booth in the expo’s vendor area, said that Anime Expo is great for business and lets her connect

with customers and bond over shared passions.

“Going to a convention is more fun than staring at a screen,” she said. “One of the main things I like is the face-to-face interaction.”

Quach has been attending Anime Expo for 12 years, and this marks her fourth time selling products. Previously her booth was in the section dubbed the Artist Alley, but this year she is moving to the vendors area, which means more space to display her hats.

She’ll have more than 900 for sale throughout the event.

Still, for many people Anime Expo is about the cosplay, and the convention is full of people taking photographs. Additionally, nearly everyone in an outfit is happy to stop and pose for a picture with anyone who asks.

Santa Maria said she has enjoyed seeing the crowd grow each year, as it has given her a chance to meet more people. Still, she is curious what the future of the convention holds.

“It’s gotten huge. It was always the biggest anime con of America, now it’s just ridiculously large,” Santa Maria said. “It does get overcrowded at some points.”

Anime Expo runs Friday-Monday, July 1-4, at the Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St. or anime-expo.org. nicholas@downtownnews.com

Five Highlights at Anime Expo The Karaoke Room: Singing along to “Don’t Stop Believing” and “Baby Got Back” isn’t just for bars anymore. Anime Expo has a karaoke room with open-mic sessions from noon-2 a.m. each day of the convention. The musical library contains more than 7,000 songs, including Japanese pop and video game numbers. Karaoke contests will be held throughout the weekend.

Masquerade: Anime Expo’s highlight bash is where cosplay meets grand spectacle. Part

fashion show, part skit, Masquerade brings together groups and individuals who show off elaborate costumes and choreography. There are novice, intermediate and world categories, and audiences can expect everything from robotics to light shows. People work on their performances for months. The Masquerade takes over the Convention Center’s Hall B at 8 p.m. on Sunday. Separate tickets are required and start at $5.

Night Café: Think less Starbucks and more

cocktail party. Anime Expo’s Night Café is a 21-plus destination with live entertainment, including music and comedy. There are also games for people to play. The event runs from 5 p.m.-midnight and will be hosted by comedian Caitlin Macatee. Tickets are $25.

Anime Music Video Competition: What’s better than new and classic anime on a big screen? Seeing those works paired with music that the creators never intended. Anime Expo’s annual contest of anime music videos, or AMVs

as fans call them, starts Friday at 9 p.m. in Hall B. Entries come from around the globe and will span all genres. Don’t be surprised to see “Cowboy Bebop” footage set to dubstep or “Sailor Moon” scored to the sounds of bluegrass.

The Art Show: Anime Expo’s art show returns to the convention after a hiatus. Hosted in the Entertainment Hall the full weekend, the exhibition will include dozens of works of art, everything from drawings and painting to sculpture and handmade figures. The art is not for sale. Don’t worry: All of the material is family-friendly.

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June 27, 2016

Guess What They’re Talking About at Dinner?

Tensions Mount in the Taper’s Presentation of the Disturbing, Engrossing ‘Disgraced’

By Jeff Favre ultures, whether based on religion, race or geography, can be studied, celebrated or despised by outsiders, but can someone who wasn’t born into that specific world ever truly understand it?

American coffee shops, dinner tables and school lecture halls are abuzz daily with debates about the Islamic faith. The rhetoric has gotten heated enough that presidential hopeful Donald Trump has proposed a ban on anyone who is Muslim from coming to the United States, a country that was founded on a pillar of religious freedom.

That backdrop makes Ayad Akhtar’s 90-minute drama Disgraced even more prescient than when the disturbing, engrossing work premiered in 2012. The winner of the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Disgraced is playing through July 17 at Downtown’s Mark Taper Forum. Original director Kimberly Senior is on board, as are a couple of the Broadway cast members.

While there may be lots of talk in America about Islam, it’s unlikely that any conversation is more compelling than the one that plays out in Akhtar’s dinner scene, during which each of the four participants has much more at stake than winning an argument.

Getting to that tumultuous meal, though, takes a couple of exposition-filled scenes that are a pleasing appetizer for the main course.

Amir (Hari Dhillon) is a New York corporate lawyer pushing to make partner in a major firm.

His wife Emily (Emily Swallow) is a painter.

C

(l to r) Hari Dhillon, Emily Swallow, Karen Pittman and J Anthony Crane come together for a dinner party in Ayad Akhtar’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama Disgraced. It is at the Mark Taper Forum through July 17.

photo by Craig Schwartz

Amir’s parents were born in what is now Pakistan. He was raised Muslim, but today is an apostate who has deep scorn for Islam and the Koran. On the other hand, Emily, who is white, has become fascinated by Islamic art and culture, and her paintings reflect that newfound passion.

Amir’s nephew Abe (Behzad Dabu), with help from Emily, convinces Amir to look into the case of an imam who is being accused of raising money for terrorist activities. It’s a decision Amir will regret.

Everything starts to unravel when Emily and Amir invite their friends over for dinner. Art curator Isaac (J Anthony Crane) has decided to

put Emily’s new work in his upcoming show.

His wife Jory (Karen Pittman), who works with Amir, has some unsettling news for him, but she’s not sure how to say it.

Fueled by alcohol, cultural differences (Isaac is Jewish and Jory is African American) and unrevealed secrets, high-minded talk about the Islamic faith turns ugly and brutal. At the center of the anger is Amir, who is filled with rage about a faith he can’t shake despite his open hatred for it.

Akhtar’s success comes from devising characters that reflect the diverse conversation that America is having. Each has redeeming qualities but all are flawed in ways that mean no one

comes out as being “right.” The author is also unafraid to escalate the argument to disturbing extremes. Akhtar’s final scene, which takes place six months later, is unnecessary, but it allows the built-up tension to settle before the final blackout.

The solid ensemble is led by Dhillon, who succeeds in the difficult task of showing glimpses of fury behind a façade of control and poise. His drunkenness, which grows during the main scene, is appropriately restrained.

Pittman’s ease and naturalism as Jory offers the best — and much-needed — laughs. Her quick responses that negate some of Isaac’s boasts are funny, and they solidify the idea that this is a couple who truly know each other.

Likewise, Crane delivers a sharp performance as Isaac. His tone and mannerisms make increasing sense as the story unfolds.

Senior’s direction serves the material well.

There are times when she could have overplayed a moment with dramatic silences, but she wisely elicits realistic reactions that in the long run increase the intensity.

Senior uses all of John Lee Beatty’s set design, an attractive apartment that speaks to the desire for success that Amir has struggled to reach.

Akhtar has dealt with the Muslim faith in plays, movies and a book, in a variety of intriguing ways that will have life for years to come, but Disgraced is his best-known work. It offers viewpoints that aren’t being shown by other authors in major theaters.

Center Theatre Group deserves praise for providing a compelling play about a topic when it most needs to be seen.

Disgraced runs through July 17 at the Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 628-2772 or centertheatregroup.com.

DT

CALENDAR LISTINGS

The Don't Miss List Loads of Free Music and Cops Fighting Cops Are in Downtown This Week

THURSDAY, JUNE 30 DJ MacHale at the Last Bookstore Last Bookstore, 453 S. Spring St., (213) 488-0599 or lastbookstorela.com.

7 p.m.: The New York Times bestselling author of “Pendragon” talks it up with YA prodigy Maximilian Timm. Your nearest bar is the Down and Out across the street.

Making Escabeche with Ernie Miller California Plaza, 350 S. Grand Ave., (213) 687-2190 or grandperformances.org.

7 p.m.: You are invited to bring your own jar down to Cal Plaza where “LA’s master food preserver” Ernie Miller will walk you through pickling carrots and jalapeños just in time for skyexplosion day.

Paul Schimmel at Hauser Wirth & Schimmel 901 E. Third St., (213) 943-1620 or hauserwirthschimmel.com.

7 p.m.: His name’s on the darn building, so don’t be shocked when Paul himself leads a tour through the “Revolution in the Making” exhibit. It’s part of the weekly After 5 series.

FRIDAY, JULY 1 Anime Expo 2016 Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St. or online at anime-expo.com.

July 1-4: The panels and vendors are great and so is the cosplay, but don’t sleep on four days of karaoke. See story p. 17.

DJ Nights with Money Mark Music Center Plaza, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-0777 or musiccenter.org.

Continued on next page

2

3 Northern Town” and its lyrical If you’ve ever heard the Dream Academy song “Life In a America in early ’64 amidst in l portraiture of the distant wonder of the Beatles’ arriva on three months prior, sinati a lingering cloud of gloom rising from the Kennedy assas unding the lads from surro r you can begin to understand the full-force cultural fervo h invasion stylings Britis al Liverpool. The mop-topped rapscallions and their semin um debuts Muse my Gram finally get the exhibit treatment they deserve as the rare footage, of tion collec The 1.

Ladies and Gentlemen… The Beatles on Friday, July e of the group rtanc impo the ights ephemera and other fab foursome memorabilia highl Grammy the At 5.

Sept. gh as seen through the eyes of their fans. It’ll be open throu .org. useum mym Museum, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-6800 or gram

5 photo by Sarah McCoglan

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29 Ben Ehrenreich at Aloud Central Library, Mark Taper Auditorium, 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7500 or lfla.org.

7:15 p.m.: No easy answers tonight as even-keeled journalist Ehrenreich dissects his recent book, “The Way to the Spring: Life and Death in Palestine.”

one

From the Beastie Boys to Yo Gabba Gabba, DJ Money Mark’s impeccable taste has left a fingerprint on a catalog’s worth of iconic pop music. On Friday, July 1, from 8-11 p.m., you can catch the man, the myth, the legend spinning a free set at the Music Center Plaza. The biweekly DJ Nights guest set program is your best bet for an evening of quality and complimentary dance music to kick off the 4th of July weekend. Further augmenting the gloriousness of this affair is the al fresco setting and the opportunity to buy food, soft drinks and hard beverages. At 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-0777 or musiccenter.org.

photo copyright The Bob Bonis Archive

MONDAY, JUNE 27 Barbara Lee at Town Hall-Los Angeles City Club, 555 S. Flower St., (213) 628-8141 or townhall-la.org.

11:30 a.m.: The California Congresswoman discusses Cuba at this event hosted by Town Hall-Los Angeles. We’d bet a dollar that someone asks about traveling to the island nation, and another dollar that the word “Castro” is uttered.

photo courtesy the Music Center

SPONSORED LISTINGS

By Dan Johnson | calendar@downtownnews.com

The Anime Expo rolls through the Convention Center this weekend (see story p. 17). While the latest and greatest in Trans-Pacific animated culture gets its day in the sun down on Figueroa, the folks at Resident are preparing for an epic launch party on July 1 featuring the likes of high-octane electronica producer Mystery Skulls (shown here), video game cultureadjacent singer/songwriter Ken Ashcorp and newcomer DJ Snowblood.

For those frantically sourcing an authentic Mystery Skulls cosplay outfit, you need nothing more than an undercut hair-do and an olive drab canvas jacket. No, you don’t need an Anime Expo badge to enter. At 428 S. Hewitt or residentdtla.com.

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

The Hale-Bopp Comet, albino unicorn s, authentic leprechauns: In a way, each of these things is still more common than the event billed for this month’s L.A. Fight Club. On Friday, July 1, at 5:1 5 p.m., patrons of the Belasco Theatre will cheer as cops punch other cops. LAPD officers will take on the ir NYPD counterparts in a set of bouts, with proceeds ben efitting the Susan G. Komen Foundation. That’s right friends, this one’s for charity. Though the gloves will be on in the ring, guests are reminded that all applicable law s and customs will still be in effect. BTW, after the cop battles, the card will be headlined by undefeated Oscar “Jaguar” Negrete. At 1050 S. Hill, (213) 746-1606 or bel ascous.com.

photo courtesy Golden Boy Promotions

EVENTS

10th Annual Dog Day Afternoon at the Cathedral Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, 555 W. Temple St. July 13, 6-9 p.m.: The Downtown Center Business Improvement District (DCBID) invites Downtown L.A. residents and their dogs to a free evening of music, pet-related vendor displays, giveaways, and great food and drinks from Levy Restaurants. It all happens on the plaza of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. All socialized dogs are welcome and must be on a leash. Free admission. RSVPs are required at DowntownLA.com/DogDay. Free Film Screening: Bridging the Divide LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, 501 N. Main St., (213) 542-6278 or lapca.org.

June 30 at 7 p.m.: Join LA Plaza for a screening of the Emmy-nominated documentary Bridging the Divide: Tom Bradley and the Politics of Race. Join us for a conversation after the film with former City Councilman Richard Alatorre, Mayor Bradley aid and commissioner Alberto Juarez, Deputy Mayor Grace Montanez Davis, film director Lyn Goldfarb and producer Alison Sotomayor.

Dames N Games 2319 E. Washington Blvd., (323) 589-2220 or damesngames.net.

July 9: UFC 200, Cormier vs. Jones live on pay per view.

Aug. 12-13: Hellrock Live (DJ x Drums). Daily happy hour, full bar, flat screens, full menu, $2 steak Tuesdays plus dance specials daily. Download our free app.

Downtown News 19

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

fo u r photo by Calavera Estudio

June 27, 2016

Don’t get us wrong — we love jazz. Nothing tickles our fancy more than dropping in on The Makers at Seven Grand or Matt Yeakley’s jazz jam session at the Falls. This week, we crave jazz in a different way: On Friday, July 1, at 8 p.m., Grand Performances fills the Cal Plaza Watercourt with unusually helmed horns kicking to double-time oddball jazz that will make Ferdinand “Jelly Roll” Morton spin in his East L.A. grave. Straight from Guadalajara, Troker brings funk fusion and late 20th century vintage textures to the mix while local boys Kneebody team up with electromaestro and G&B coffee frequenter Daedelus for an unusual beats meets jazz do-up. At 350 S. Grand Ave., (213) 687-2190 or grandperformances.org.

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

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2 Available, model #13016. C160899/200214, C161151/220636 Close end lease payment plus tax for 36 months on above average approved credit. Payment net of Lease Cash Rebate $1400 and Holiday Bonus Cash Rebate $500. $3250 cash or trade equity, plus tax, license and registration fees due at lease signing. No Security deposit. 12,000 miles per year, 36K total miles with 15 cents per mile thereafter. Subject to availability and charges for excess wear and tear. Not all lessees may qualify. Higher lease rates apply for lessees with lower credit ratings. Offer exp. 6/30/16.

$

LEASE FOR ONLY

per month for 36 mos

2016 Jetta S 1.4T S with automatic transmission *Lease for $129 + tax per month for 36 months. Based on MSRP of $19,870 for Automatic Transmission. Residual Value $10,531.10 $4,644 total of payments. Security Deposit Waived. $1,999 due at signing from customer. Excludes: First Payment, $625 Acquisition Fee, $80 Documentation Fee, Sales Tax, Title, and License Fee. 30,000 total miles, with 20¢ per excess mile. Closed-end lease offered on approved above average credit with VCI, excludes TDI and Hybrid Models. Two (2) at this offer GM326100, GM315277. **1.90% Available on 0-60 month terms. 1.90% on approved credit. Not all buyers will qualify.1.90% APR in lieu of cash discounts. $500 VCI APR Bonus not redeemable for cash.

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$

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$9,895 2013 Audi A6 Quattro ............................ $28,895 Navi/Rear Cam, Lo Mi. DN060914/ZA11267 2013 Audi Q5 Quattro ............................

Navi/Rear Cam, B&O DA016595/ZA11282 $29,895 PORSCHE OF DOWNTOWN L.A. 2006 Audi A4 Quattro ..............................

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1 at this lease/price (F-17883) per month plus tax for 27 mos, Lease O.A.C through GM Financial, $2,200 down plus $4,955 in qualifying rebates, $0 security deposit, $0.25/mile over 10,000 miles. Based on MSRP of $20,270. *Program subject to change. See dealer for details.

Stock#P16771. $3,999 Down Payment. 39 months, 10k miles per year, VIN#GKA15824, residual $38,207.50, 1 at this price. Down payment excludes tax, dmv fees, $995 Bank Acquisition fee, first payment and document fees. Rates based on approved Tier 1 credit through Porsche Financial Services. Expires 6/30/16.

$8,495 2012 Nissan Versa .................................. $11,595 Auto, Pwr Doors, Pwr Locks. F17859-1/885278 2009 Honda Accord ................................ $12,995 Exl, Pw, Pdl, Leather. F17818-1/131213

2013 Panamera Platinum Ed. ..............

2014 Chevy Spark .....................................

Auto, Pwr Doors, Pwr Locks. F17597-1/443513

Gray/Beige CPO, 20” whls, Bose, 25k Mi. ZP2048M/L015597

2013 Cayenne Turbo .............................

Blk/Umb, CPO, 63K Mi, Prem. Plus, 21” Whls. ZP2030M/A90208

2013 911 Cab ..........................................

Gray/Blk, CPO, Prem. +, 20” Whls,14K Mi. ZP1957M/S14033

$55,895 $63,898 $75,895

Continued from previous page 8-11 p.m.: It’s a free night of DJ’d sounds from a superlative turntable artist, not an opportunity to ask about the long-term viability of your Roth IRA. LA Fight Club 1050 S. Hill St., (213) 746-5670 or belascous.com.

5 p.m.: Golden Boy Promotions presents LAPD v. NYPD in this unlikely west-versuseast card to benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

SUNDAY, JULY 3 The Rock and Roll Flea Market The Regent, 448 S. Main St. or theregenttheater.com.

11 a.m.: Of course by this point someone else whose music you cherish but never gave you personally the time of day will have died. You can then go convert your savings into memorabilia!

ROCK, POP & JAZZ

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

June 27, 9 p.m.: Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals roll into lower Broadway courtesy of KCRW. Belasco 1050 S. Hill St., (213) 746-5670 or belascous.com.

July 2-3: Get ready to cop a buzz and ponder your mortality with 1Life Festival.

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

June 27: LAJC Residency.

June 28: Similar Fashion and Corey Fogel.

June 29: Jure Pukl Quartet.

June 30: Danny Green Trio and Josh Nelson Band.

July 1: Jonathan Pinson’s Boom Clap.

July 2: Quartetto Fantastico.

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

June 27: Midnight Faces’ residency concludes with, as predicted, a concert.

June 28: UK’s The Hunna are apparently “set to become the first band on your playlist,” assuming you don’t organize your playlists alphabetically.

June 29: There is a certain bit of ’90s kitsch nostalgia strapped on top of Stephen Steinbrink’s music.

June 30: Feels reiterate our previously held suspicion that contemporary noise punk is just metal for lazy people.

July 1: All hail the Internet age, where bands like Wam Dingis can get away with hosting a “single release show.”

July 2: Brass Bed joins a sea of other Ty Segall acolytes in illuminating the fact that our generation’s garage-core rebellion against polished punk is ultimately a tiring, irksome and futile attempt to subvert a toxic cultural machine by not being noticed.

Caña 714 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 745-7090 or 213dthospitality.com.

June 28: Sitara Son. June 29: Bobby Matos.

June 30: Cuba Rumba.

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

June 29: Gud Vibrations.

July 1: Project 46 is blessedly not a Farrelly Brothers movie.

July 2: Sian.

Grand Performances California Plaza, 350 S. Grand Ave., (213) 687-2190 or grandperformances.org.

July 1, 8 p.m.: Troker and Kneebody bring a bumper crop of jazz fuzed with the molted electronica of the one and only Daedelus.

July 2, 8 p.m.: Don’t let 1 to 3’s confusing name fool you: The show with this gifted Armenian jazz trio (sponsored by Super King Markets!) begins at 8 p.m.

July 3, 3 p.m.: Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band have a Latin Grammy. And that’s jam as in music, not jelly.

Ham & Eggs Tavern 433 W. Eighth St., (213) 891-6939 or hamandeggstavern.com.

June 27: Songs By Thom, James Dean Death Cult, Country Death and JR Fisher.

June 28: Wimps, Maniac and Arjuna Genome.

June 29: Johnny Elkins, Amanda Sasser and Nikki Kelly.

July 1: Deadfella, The Hidden Depths, Healing Gems and Mister Mudd.

July 3: Iris, New Evil, Mutt and Utena.

Hauser Wirth & Schimmel 901 E. Third St., (213) 943-1620 or hauserwirthschimmel.com.

June 30, 5 p.m.: Madame Gandhi once played drums for MIA. Las Perlas 107 E. Sixth St., (213) 988-8355 or 213dthospitality.com.

June 28: Viva!

June 29: La Victoria.

June 30: Joey De Leon.

Little Easy 216 W. Fifth St., (213) 628-3113 or littleeasybar.com.

June 30: Off stage, the Sheriffs of Schroedingham’s cool, almost ponderous demeanor will have you wondering if they aren’t actually the Sheriffs of Schopenhauer.

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

June 27, 2016

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June 27: Acoustic Punk.

June 29: Bitchin’ Seahorse/Red Pony.

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

June 27: If I Were You Live.

June 28: Poppet, Betty Petty and Jackie Cohen.

June 20: Boys School, Mia Dyson, Iva Dawn and The Long Nites.

July 1: Mystery Skulls.

July 2: The Gooch Palms, Sloppy Jane, Period Bomb and Chinese Wax Job are but a few of the superlative performer names to be found on the bill at Mickey Avalon’s ASS Fest.

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Downtown News 21

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

June 27: Brandino and Friends had to add that last little part as a stab against your habitual loneliness and its corollary, alcohol.

June 28: The Makers’ annual 4th of July trombone-mounted Roman candle war has been postponed indefinitely due to lingering medical costs from last year’s fiasco.

June 29: Prepare for a journey into the dark soul at the core of the American experience. We’re talking about Rick Taub’s Midnight Blues Review, not the Second Amendment.

June 30: Despite a sticky name, Molasses is guitar wizardress Molly Miller’s latest virtuoso effort.

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Dim Sum

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

July 1, 9:30 p.m.: Aka’s promo materials sound suspiciously like a cult kidnapping. Especially the ominous last line: “It’s time you came.”

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

July 1: Monsanto presents Tomorrow’s Bad Seeds.

July 2: R&B Only opens up a Pandora’s Box. Are we talking ’50s R&B or new jack swing or future R&B? The Smell 247 S. Main St. in the alley between Spring and Main or

LAST WEEKS ANSWERS

thesmell.org.

June 27: Soda Boys, Luum and G Spot.

July 1: Negro Galacticus, Ubiquitous Love Tribe, Rawdres, Dreadfro/Steven Francell.

July 3: Cihuatl-Ce, Liquid, Las Sangronas Y El Cabron and Glory Hole.

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

June 29: Is it then apropos of Minor Victories’ general ethos to steal TP from the Teragram Ballroom while attending tonight’s show?

July 1: Black Twilight Circle Fest with Arizmenda and Shataan is still more light-hearted than a night at Fifth and San Julian.

MORE LISTINGS@

downtownnews.com/calendar

2

EASY WAYS TO SUBMIT YOUR

EVENT INFO

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.

22 Downtown News

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

June 27, 2016

June 27, 2016

DT

CLASSIFIEDS REAL ESTATE RESIDENTIAL HOMES FOR SALE MODERN LOFT STYLE CONDO at Concerto with central A/C, appliances incl. Open floorplan. Hardwood floors. Within 3 block radius of major entertainment, dining & shopping destinations. Amenities: pool, spa, indoor/outdoor gym for residents, outdoor kitchen area, private cabanas, small dog park & more. www.CaskeyandCaskey. com for photos & info. $640,000 310-927-7426 SERVICES

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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.

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SERVICES ADVERTISING GOT LA LEADS? Our Address Lists of businesses operating in Los Angeles are culled from local government data and organized by type. Accurate. Local.

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Downtown News 23

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

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OF DTLA

LEGAL FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2016150859 The following individual (s) is (are) doing business as: (1) Kayli’s Flowers, 1414 W. 6th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90017, are hereby registered by the following registrants: Jimmysel Mancilla, 1511 W. 4th Street, Apt. 20, Los Angeles, CA 90017 and Janet E. Lopez, 1511 W. 4th Street, Apt. 20, Los Angeles, CA 90017. This business is conducted by a married couple.

Registrants began to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 06/2016.

This statement was filed with DEAN C. LOGAN, Los Angeles County Clerk, by Dominique Perry, Deputy, on June 15, 2016.

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. 06/27, 07/04, 07/11, and 07/18/2016.

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Notice of Request for Qualifications MORLIN ASSET MANAGEMENT, LP, a Delaware Limited Partnership as Agent for the JOINT MANAGEMENT COUNCIL, an unincorporated association, will receive qualification packages from General Contractors wishing to become pre-qualified for an available bidding opportunity at Los Angeles Union Station. It is the intent of this Joint Management Council to select a Firm that will provide services to construct a New Ground-Up “Bike Hub” Building at the best overall value. In order to be fully considered for prequalification and subsequent bidding opportunities please proceed to the RFQ checklist available at http://goo.gl/forms/nF346F2PDsyEEjbl2. Completed checklists are due on or before close of business on August 9th, 2016. Requests received after 5:00pm on August 9th, 2016 will be rejected.

Notice of Request for Qualifications

Notice of Request for Qualifications

MORLIN ASSET MANAGEMENT, LP, a Delaware Limited Partnership as Agent for the JOINT MANAGEMENT COUNCIL, an unincorporated association, will receive qualification packages from General Contractors, Architects, and Engineers wishing to become pre-qualified for an available bidding opportunity at Los Angeles Union Station. It is the intent of this Joint Management Council to select a Firm that will provide services to construct and/or design to the ADA Site Improvements Project at Union Station at the best overall value. In order to be fully considered for prequalification and subsequent bidding opportunities please proceed to the RFQ checklist available at http://goo.gl/forms/Szwb90utiJfGhbME2 . Completed checklists are due on or before close of business on July 22nd, 2016. Requests received after 5:00pm on July 22nd, 2016 will be rejected.

MORLIN ASSET MANAGEMENT, LP, a Delaware Limited Partnership as Agent for the JOINT MANAGEMENT COUNCIL, an unincorporated association, will receive qualification packages from General Contractors wishing to become pre-qualified for an available bidding opportunity at Los Angeles Union Station. It is the intent of this Joint Management Council to select a Firm that will provide a Fire Life Safety System and Emergency Generator at the best overall value. In order to be fully considered for prequalification and subsequent bidding opportunities please proceed to the RFQ checklist available at http://goo.gl/forms/k4ad6AfUtXA7gpbz1. Completed checklists are due on or before close of business on August 5th, 2016. Requests received after 5:00pm on August 5th, 2016 will be rejected

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

24 Downtown News

June 27, 2016

CITY PAYROLL, 6

Downtown, it’s not just big business anymore!

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

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255 GRAND

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

On-site: ~ Dry Cleaners / Dental Office / Restaurants Apartment Amenities: ~ Refrigerator, Stove,Microwave & Dishwasher (most units) ~ Central Air Conditioning & Heating ~ Balconies (most units)

PROMENADE TOWERS

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

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

On-Site: ~ Convenience Store / Beauty Salon

MUSEUM TOWER

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

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

Mama, When I Grow Up Can I Be a Port Pilot II?: Parents often hope to steer their children into lucrative careers like doctor or lawyer. However, if they want their son or daughter to be financially secure, there is no better gig than Chief Port Pilot II. I have no idea whether the movie was better than the first Chief Port Pilot, but someone with this boat-y job title was the highest-paid employee in the city in 2015, earning an incredible $499,382, with a base pay of about $298,000 and the mysterious “other pay” of $201,000.

Even, more amazing, nine of the 11 highest-paid city employees in 2015 had the title of either Chief Port Pilot II or Port Pilot II, and all earned at least $421,000.

Good Work If You Can Get It: A number of employees across the city earn more than you might expect — presumably this is because their jobs are very important. For example, if you ever have a golf emergency, then you’ll be pleased to know that the Department of Recreation Parks has a Golf Manager who earned $174,182 in 2015, and he or she is ready to give advice on which club to use. A plumber in the department that year made $146,137, but on the bright side, the Rec and Parks pipes are now super clean. Over in the General Services Department, a Parking Manager made $134,000, and will gladly help you find your car when you can’t remember where in the garage you left it. There’s also one Fire Psychologist on the city payroll, who earned $114,172, and who starts every session with, “OK flame, tell me about your father.”

Six-Figure City: Some people equate success with earning six figures (those people are neither circus clowns nor journalists).

In that regard, there are a lot of successful people in the city family. By parsing Galperin’s data, you find that 554 people in the Bureau of Sanitation earned more than $100,000 last year, proving that garbage pays. At the Department of Transportation, 368 people cracked six figures, which is fine, because gridlock today is much better than it was — er, never mind. If you love planes and you love money, then Los Angeles World Airports is the place for you, as 1,202 people made more than $100,000 last year. That said, somewhere a LAWA Building Operating Engineer is grinding teeth, knowing that he or she fell just $57 short of the magic figure.

Wesson on Top: There are 15 City Council districts in Los Angeles. The one with the lowest budget in 2015 was the Eighth District. The office now helmed by Marqueece Harris-Dawson had a $1.16 million payroll last year. The biggest spender, with $2.01 million in salary, was CD 10, which happens to be the office of Council President Herb Wesson. I’m sure this salary ranking was purely coincidental.

This is the first in an occasional series of columns about the city’s “open data.” regardie@downtownnews.com

AROUND TOWN, 2 will feature visual vignettes exploring the city’s past and present; according to a press release, elements include a “projection sphere” and a “floating sky screen.” Finally, from Aug. 6-31, the station will hold the “Cabinet of Curiosities,” an exhibition of Los Angeles-based artists with a series of “worlds” viewed through peepholes. More information is at unionstationla.com.

Interim Head Named for Fashion District BID

I

TOWERS T H E

A PA RT M E N T S

MAID SERVICE • FURNITURE • HOUSEWARES • CABLE • UTILITIES • PARKING

RESIDENCES: SINGLES • STUDIO • ONE BEDROOM • TWO BEDROOM

n May, Kent Smith announced his intention to step down from the top job at the Fashion District Business Improvement District after 17 years. Last week, the BID’s board of directors named organization Managing Director Rena Masten Leddy as the interim executive director. She will start in the position Aug. 1. In addition to her work with the BID, she is also a member of the Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council.

Smith will remain in his post through July 31. The Fashion District BID started in 1996 and currently covers 100 blocks and collects more than $4 million in annual assessments, which pay for cleaning and safety efforts in the district.